Search results
Oct 17, 2017 · 3. Ashley Duckworth: I want to be a PA . . . 'Because I want to make a difference in this world and in the field of medicine, to be a game changer and to help heal people. I want to be an inspiration to my patients and to show them that they can count on me.'Click To Tweet. 4.
- Overview
- Why do employers ask "Why do you want to be a PA?"
- How to answer, "Why do you want to be a PA?"
- Examples
If you're preparing to interview for a role as a physician's assistant, there are several types of questions to prepare for. One question the interviewer may likely ask is, "Why do you want to be a PA?" While this question and similar variations of it may not have a "right" or "wrong" answer, there are several key factors that employers may look for in your response.
In this article, we'll discuss why employers ask this question and how to answer this interview question with several example responses to help you prepare how you will answer, "Why do you want to be a PA?"
During your interview, you will likely encounter this question, which allows employers to understand why you chose your career path and how your values connect with their practice's philosophy. Your answer to this question will also give interviewers an understanding of why you chose a career as a PA as opposed to becoming a fully licensed physician, nurse practitioner or another advanced medical career. Additionally, this question serves as a way for employers to assess your level of enthusiasm and motivation for your work, as these traits can have an impact on how well you perform in the role.
Related: Top Physician Assistant Interview Questions and Answers To Help You Prepare
1. Give specific reasons for choosing your career field
The first part of your answer should cover your reasons for pursuing a career as a PA. For instance, describe what interested you about the role, how your skills set you up for success in the career or other tangible reasons for your interest in becoming a PA. Several considerations many PAs make when pursuing their careers include salary requirements, less demanding schedules and opportunities for specializing in different medical fields.
2. Provide some insight into how your skills are best suited to the role of a PA
Highlight your strongest traits and explain why your skills are best suited for a career as a physician assistant. This can show the interviewer that you have taken considerable time to assess your skills and strengths to find the career that is right for you. This thought process also demonstrates your ability to think critically before making important decisions, which is a highly essential trait for working in the role.
3. Highlight your core values and relate them to the company's
Physicians, nurses, PAs and other medical professionals typically adopt a strong set of core values throughout their training and careers that influences how they care for patients. In your answer, describe how your core values inspired you to choose a career as a PA and how your philosophy of caring for patients and practicing medicine connects with the practice you're applying to.
Example 1
"I chose my career as a physician assistant because of the freedom I have to explore different specialties of medicine. I love working with patients of all ages and backgrounds, and I love the freedom of choice I have to provide care to a diverse range of individuals. I started my career as a PA in the pediatrics intensive care unit of Baycare Hospital and spent four years working with amazing children as part of a dedicated healthcare team. This past year, however, I transitioned to oncology so I could continue my level of care for patients in treatment and recovering from breast cancer. Being able to move between specialties to help as many patients as I can was one of the most important factors in my decision to become a PA."
Example 2
"I pursued a career as a PA after originally intending to become an MD. However, I underwent open-heart surgery, due to a congenital condition, and the physician assistant who met with me during my recovery process showed me just how much PAs really contribute. This inspired me to change my career path, as I found I wanted to dedicate more time to caring for and educating my patients. An MD often has a very demanding schedule, but I noticed that my PA had more time to commit to my care. This was something that was very important to me, and still is in my career today."
Example 3
"I became interested in a career in the medical field, however, I had reservations about the amount of time an education in medical school would demand. I also wanted to be able to spend more time directly caring for patients in the doctor's office, which is something that I know physicians have limited time for given their demanding schedules. This ultimately led me to choose a career as a PA, where I can dedicate my time and passion to strictly working with patients without the additional demands that physicians usually take on. This career enables me to make my passion my work, where I can help patients find the best treatments and where I can continuously provide health and wellness education to better care for my community." Related: Useful Tips on How To Become a Physician Assistant
Jan 1, 2024 · This typically works out to about two minutes or possibly three. With that said, it is very similar to a small, PA school interview essay, structure-wise. Start with a good opening sentence – a “hook” that draws the viewer in – and then move on to make one main point about why you decided to be a PA. This should take a few sentences ...
- Bemo Academic Consulting
Jun 28, 2024 · Example answer: "Due to my ability to interact with patients and my experience in determining the right tests to assess their conditions, I believe I can help my supervising physician make medical decisions. My communication skills and my eagerness to provide quality care to my patients can make me a valuable asset to your team and make ...
Aug 15, 2024 · 29. Describe an interaction you had with a patient that made a lasting impact on you. 30. Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team. 31. Explain how you'd handle an emergency when caring for another patient. Related: 8 Common Problem-Solving Interview Questions and Answers. Show Transcript.
- Ingrid Monteiro
Mar 15, 2023 · My commitment to patient satisfaction has been consistently praised by supervisors and colleagues alike.”. 2. Describe a time when you had to make a difficult medical decision and how you arrived at your conclusion. Being a physician assistant means being able to make decisions independently and quickly.
People also ask
What questions should you ask a physician's assistant?
What does it mean to be a physician assistant?
Why did you choose a career as a physician assistant?
What do physician assistants need to know?
What was your goal in a physician assistant interview?
Should a physician assistant be included in a personal statement?
Aug 23, 2024 · Before you begin writing your physician assistant personal statement, it's important to understand the purpose of the personal statement. Essentially, your personal statement will serve as your introduction to admissions committees. It's a way for you to demonstrate why you have chosen to pursue medicine, and why you want to become a PA ...
